Geology Reports⌕ Search

USGS · gip161

Earth as art 4

Abstract

Landsat 8 is the latest addition to the long-running series of Earth-observing satellites in the Landsat program that began in 1972. The images featured in this fourth installment of the Earth As Art collection were all acquired by Landsat 8. They show our planet’s diverse landscapes with remarkable clarity. Landsat satellites see the Earth as no human can. Not only do they acquire images from the vantage point of space, but their sensors record infrared as well as visible wavelengths of light. The resulting images often reveal “hidden” details of the Earth’s land surface, making them invaluable for scientific research. As with previous Earth As Art exhibits, these Landsat images were selected solely for their aesthetic appeal. Many of the images have been manipulated to enhance color variations or details. They are not intended for scientific interpretation—only for your viewing pleasure. What do you see in these unique glimpses of the Earth’s continents, islands, and coastlines?

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

U.S. Geological Survey. 2016-03-29. Earth as art 4. https://doi.org/10.3133/gip161

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related USGS reports

Volcanoes are mighty mountains

Volcanoes are evidence of the remarkable journey of molten rock, which begins miles (kilometers) beneath our feet. What happens on magma’s ascent determines whether it erupts explosively (like Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980), oozes lava (like Mount St. Helens during its 2004–2008 dome-building event), or cools and crystallizes underground, never to erupt at all. This two-page educational activity uses a conceptual model of a stratovolcano to connect volcanic processes with personal growth. On page 1, students explore how magma is generated and moves through the crust to form a volcano, using core concepts we can relate to: strengths, support, challenges, motivations, and goals. On page 2, students reflect on their own journeys to draw parallels between what happens at volcanoes and how personal motivations and challenges shape them, just as magma shapes volcanoes, and volcanoes transform landscapes.

General Information Product↗

Key minerals in energy transmission

The electrical grid relies on minerals with unique properties to transform, transmit, and convert electricity. Transmission needs are growing—to support the expansion of data centers and link diverse energy resources into the grid. This expansion will require greater quantities of minerals. Although some minerals are produced in the United States, the United States relies on imports for others. This infographic shows the key minerals that support energy transmission, and how reliant the United States is on imports for these minerals.

General Information Product↗

3D Elevation Program—Hawaii

Using 3D Elevation Program data, a modern illustration of each State's landscape showcases its elevation differences in vivid detail. Each State has been consistently adjusted and colorized according to its highest and lowest elevations, accentuating differences even in States with low relief. To further emphasize landforms, shaded relief has been added on top of the elevation colors.

Hawaii↗